MLS Weekend Preview: Playoff Push Heats Up with Key Clashes

Jonathan Turner
3 days ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

MLS Weekend Preview: Playoff Push Heats Up with Key Clashes

As the 2025 MLS regular season winds toward its conclusion, the stakes have never been higher. With playoff positioning on the line and momentum at a premium, clubs across the league face defining matchups this weekend that could shape the postseason picture.

Real Salt Lake vs. Austin FC

One of the marquee fixtures takes place in Utah as Real Salt Lake hosts Austin FC.

Playoff Race Pressure: Austin sits on the verge of clinching a playoff berth and brings confidence after a string of positive results, including a dramatic late winner earlier this month.
RSL’s Home Test: Real Salt Lake has been inconsistent at America First Field, but they boast attacking talent led by Diego Luna, who continues to pace the side in both goals and assists.
Series History: The two clubs played to a draw earlier this season, adding intrigue to a matchup that could swing either way.

For Austin, it’s about closing the deal. For RSL, it’s about survival. Expect intensity from the opening whistle.

LAFC at St. Louis CITY SC

Saturday night brings another heavyweight showdown as LAFC travel to St. Louis.

Western Conference Stakes: LAFC remain among the West’s elite, but points are at a premium in a crowded playoff race.
Home Fortress: CITY SC have turned their home ground into one of the league’s toughest venues, and a win over LAFC would send a strong message to the rest of MLS.
Atmosphere: With two passionate fanbases, the energy in St. Louis promises to match the on-field intensity.

This clash could serve as a postseason preview — and both sides will be eager to make a statement.

Around the League

Eastern Conference Bubble: Clubs fighting for the final playoff spots will be playing with urgency. Expect tight defensive battles where a single mistake could prove costly.
Rotation & Recovery: With squads managing fatigue and injuries, depth players could play decisive roles this weekend.
Goals at a Premium: In high-stakes games, set pieces and clinical finishing often tip the balance — areas to watch closely in multiple matchups.

EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

What to Watch For

Can Austin seal their postseason spot on the road?
Will RSL find consistency at home?
Can St. Louis protect their fortress against one of the league’s most dangerous sides in LAFC?
Which bubble teams in both conferences will rise — and which will crack under pressure?

This weekend in MLS has all the ingredients of a playoff preview: pressure, intensity, and season-defining moments. As the race heats up, every point matters, and every match has the potential to shift the balance of power across the league.